Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 11: The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Jammu concluded its two-day International Conference, organised as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Centre with a valedictory session held today.
The conference was organised on the theme “Reimagining Open, Distance, Online, Blended and Self-Directed Learning: Innovations, Equity, and Impact in the Digital Era” and witnessed participation from eminent academicians, researchers, policymakers and scholars from across the country and abroad.
Prof T Ramesh, former Vice-Chancellor of Kakatiya University, Warangal, was the chief guest at the valedictory session, while Dr Sunita Siwach, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, joined the programme online as the guest of honour.
In his address, Prof T Ramesh highlighted the relevance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly the goal of expanding the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and the role of the UGC–Distance Education Bureau in strengthening distance and online education in the country. He emphasized that open learning systems offer freedom and flexibility, allowing students to pursue subjects of their interest and learn at their own pace.
Dr Sunita Siwach reflected on the growth of distance education in India and the innovations that have shaped the learning landscape over the years. Referring to the transformative impact of the digital era and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, she said that online education today stands at par with conventional modes of learning in terms of reach and accessibility.
The presidential remarks were delivered by Prof Pankaj K Srivastava, Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education, JU and Convener of the conference, highlighted self-directed learning as a powerful tool in modern education, particularly in the context of flexible and technology-enabled learning environments. He emphasized that open and distance learning plays a crucial role in democratizing education and promoting social inclusion, especially for working professionals and learners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Earlier, Prof Anupama Vohra, Department of English, CDOE, University of Jammu and Organising Secretary of the conference, presented a consolidated report of the conference. ,
Proceedings of the valedictory session were conducted by Dr Neelam Choudhary, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, CDOE, JU.
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